Journey in Japan Part 61: Ticket to (almost) Ride

Today is Xmas Day. I awaken at 4 am with a Xmas party hangover. It is too early to assume, but I have points to do. Today my friend is arriving in Japan from England, as well as it is my job to act as a tour guide for the following few days. I stroll to Nippori Station and also arrive a little prematurely for my train. In order to kill time, I roam over the tracks to witnessthe sunrise. The cozy winter sunsilhouetting Tokyo Skytree. My photo spoiled by a smudge across my lens.

Inside Nippori Station, it is organization customarily. Today may be Christmas, but also for Japan, nothing adjustments. Salarymen rush to make their links on the hectic trains, 7 Eleven employees look worn down from a heavy graveyard shift, and Allow It Go blares from every speaker, as usual. A typical company day here in Tokyo.

I take the Keisei Skyliner to Narita International Flight terminal and wait. Eventually, my friend appears wearing a weaved Christmas jumper as well as a Santa hat. In spite of seeing her in festive clothes, it never truly seems like Christmas. No trees as well as no snow; as a matter of fact, one more clear cozy day. There is noChristmas songs in the flight terminal either, simply the continuous drone of ridiculous statements.

We take theNarita Express bound for Shinjuku Station. The Narita Express describes itself as, fast, convenient, and also pleasant to ride, however never has actually a quote been so better from the truth. On the train, my friend makes an off-hand remark about regardless if points ever before barge in Japan. I inform her, This is Japan, which equates to suggest, Points never damage right here. No much less than five mins later on, our satisfaction to ride train crawls to a stop outside Sakura Terminal.

We rest on the train for what seems like an hour, before an announcement in Japanese tells all of us to get off. A kind Japanese guy rested one row before us explains to us in English what is occurring. We need to take a Sbu Linetrain from here to Chiba, prior to continuing toward Shinjuku on local trains. For some unusual factor, the Narita Express and the quick line are out of activity. Obviously, our3390 tickets can be reimbursed in Shinjuku.

Not wishing to spend throughout the day remaining on trains, we make a decision to leave near to Asakusa. We roam to Sens-ji Holy place to obtain our ton of money; something that I quite take pleasure in doing. My close friend obtains a Poor Lot of money and leaves it for the gods. We consume sushi at my favourite standing sushi dining establishment, before taking the train to Akihabara.

In Akihabara, for factors that angle be discerned, Ultraman is riding a horse.

We hop on a Yamanote Line train and leave at a random terminal. Her choice, Nippori. My 4th time this week to see this station. We wander throughout the tracks and also explore the several holy places as well as temples. We go through Yanaka Ginza Road, as well as stop off at a little park. Exhausted and with feet hurting from way too much walking, we relax at Zenshoan Holy place. As we go into the holy place premises, in the distance stands a huge gold statue.

The sculpture ofKannon goes over, yet what is potentially a lot more excellent is theGhost Museum. Regretfully, the gallery of silk scroll paints illustrating ghosts, as well as macabreghost tales, is only open during summertime. Something concerning scary tales heating your blood, the factor forthe seasonal openinghours.

With all this broach spirits, we take a wander with Yanaka Cemetery. I have gone to right here as soon as prior to as well as found it incredibly peaceful then, and do so currently. Something regarding the excellent rows of decorated tombs is rather relaxing. Possibly thequiet all around adds to this feeling.For some factor, the unfinished sign doesn’t display just how the winter season ought to look here. The row of sakura trees and thriving primrose jasmine in springtime is a reason to once again stroll upon the dead next year.

We head to Asakusa. Tonight, my buddies hostel is having a Christmas celebration, and Santa Claus will certainly be getting to fifty percent 8 by the subway train. I determine to offer the party a miss out on. Worn out from a lengthy day and an early start, and looking for my own bed, I head house.

In the house, for my Christmas supper, I dine on Dominos Pizza (four seasons) as well as a New York Cheesecake. I might postaphotograph of a Japanese pizza from Dominos, yet it truly isn’t any type of different from anywhere else. Rather, below are some instructions for Xmas decorations that Isawearlier today:

Merry Christmas every person!